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Information Technology & Services

Forward Deployed Engineer III (6706)

Washington, DCOnsiteFull TimePrincipal$187,000–$225,000 /yrPosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

  • TS/SCI with CI Polygraph
  • AWS
  • Azure
  • SAFe Agile

Nice to have

  • CS
  • EE
  • Data Science

Role summary

MetroStar is seeking a Principal Systems Architect III (6706) to serve as the chief technologist for software architecture, AI/ML systems, data, and enterprise integration. This role involves defining technical strategy, reference architectures, and guardrails, while ensuring engineering excellence, security-by-design, and interoperability. Responsibilities include modernizing legacy code, cloud migration, API and AI/ML integrations, and IV&V within a SAFe Agile environment. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in technical leadership, deep software architecture and enterprise integration expertise, and hands-on experience with AI/ML platforms, data pipelines, cloud (AWS/Azure), containerization, and security patterns. An active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph clearance is required.

As Forward Deployed Engineer III (6706), you’ll serve as chief technologist across software architecture, AI/ML systems, data and enterprise integration. Define technical strategy, reference architectures, and guardrails; assure engineering excellence, security‑by‑design, and interoperability across enclaves. Span of technical responsibilities includes legacy code modernization, cloud migration and tool usage, API and AI/ML integrations, IV&V, deployments. All work will be conducted in SAFe Agile environment.

We know that you can’t have great technology services without amazing people. At MetroStar, we are obsessed with our people and have led a two-decade legacy of building the best and brightest teams. Because we know our future relies on our deep understanding and relentless focus on our people, we live by our mission: A passion for our people. Value for our customers.

If you think you can see yourself delivering our mission and pursuing our goals with us, then check out the job description below!

What you’ll do:

  • Own the technical baseline, roadmaps, and architecture decisions; chair design and change control.
  • Lead AI/ML solution patterns (MLOps, model lifecycle, eval & risk mgmt), ensuring enterprise integration.
  • Author and review tech artifacts (DoDAF‑aligned where applicable), performance/reliability targets, and compliance controls.
  • Mentor senior engineers; drive PoCs and tech assessments; coordinate with Release Train Engineer and Program Manager on increment goals.

    • What you’ll need to succeed:

  • Active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph security clearance.
  • 10+ years in technical leadership (Chief Engineer, Chief Architect, or equivalent).
  • Advanced degree preferred (CS/EE/Data); deep software architecture and enterprise integration expertise.
  • Hands‑on with AI/ML platforms, data pipelines, cloud (AWS/Azure), containerization, and security patterns.
  • This position requires the ability to work onsite five (5) days per week. Candidates must be able to meet this onsite requirement for the duration of the role.

    • SALARY RANGE:$187,000 - $225,000

    The salary range for this position is determined based on qualifications, skills, and relevant experience. The final salary offered will be determined based on several factors including:

  • The candidate's professional background and relevant work experience
  • The specific responsibilities of the role and organizational needs
  • Internal equity and alignment with current team compensation
  • This role is also eligible for additional compensation, subject to the terms and policies of MetroStar, which may include:
  • Performance-based bonuses
  • Company-paid training and/or certifications
  • Referral bonuses

    • Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled; candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible for full consideration.

    Additional Compensation: This role may also be eligible for bonuses and/or additional incentives based on individual and company performance.

    Benefits: All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our benefits programs:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • Parental Leave and dependent care
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Employee assistance and wellness programs

    • Like we said, we are big fans of our people. That’s why we offer a generous benefits package, professional growth, and valuable time to recharge. Learn more about our company culture code and benefits. Plus, check out our accolades.

    Commitment to Non-DiscriminationAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit and without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

    What we want you to know:

    In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

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